Columbia River Skywalk picked as new bridge name

Trail council agreed with 152 people on Monday, by voting to name the new pipe/pedestrian bridge, the Columbia River Skywalk.

Notably, the name “Columbia Skywalk” was originally submitted, but council chose to add “River” to give the proposal clarity, before the option went to public vote along with six other options.

The city received over 80 bridge name suggestions from its “Name that Bridge!” campaign.

The complete list of proposed names was then disseminated to a select committee that included former Trail mayor Dieter Bogs, Jamie Forbes, president of the Trail Historical Society and Trail Times Editor Guy Bertrand. The suggestions were narrowed by the select group to 10, and from that list the Top 6 (plus Columbia River Skywalk) were sent back to the public for an online poll.

The poll drew 574 responses, including three hard copy, and the results were brought to Trail council members Monday afternoon during the governance meeting at city hall.

Columbia River Skywalk garnered almost double the votes, 152, ahead of the second option, Silver City Suspension Bridge, which was selected by only 83 people.

The individual, not identified by press time, who provided the chosen name will be recognized with a prize of appreciation. Additionally, the city is developing a plaque for placement once the bridge is completed and officially opens in mid-December.

Coun. Kevin Jolly reported later in council that the budget is currently within expected range and the project is on track for substantial completion in early November and final completion in December.

Job site safety remains unblemished with no environmental issues or concerns, he added.